Aryna Sabalenka displayed exemplary sportsmanship at the 2025 Italian Open after Marta Kostyuk declined a post-match handshake following their fourth-round match on May 12, 2025. Sabalenka, the world No. 1, secured a 6-1, 7-6(8) victory over the Ukrainian in a thrilling two-hour battle, advancing to the quarterfinals against Zheng Qinwen. Kostyuk’s refusal to shake hands, consistent with her stance against players from Russia or Belarus due to geopolitical tensions, did not faze Sabalenka. Instead, she responded with a classy gesture, applauding Kostyuk with her racket as the Ukrainian exited the court, earning applause from the Campo Centrale crowd. Kostyuk acknowledged the fans’ support with a raised hand.
This moment echoed their 2023 French Open encounter, where Kostyuk’s similar snub led to crowd boos, which Sabalenka initially mistook as directed at her. In 2025, Sabalenka’s gesture was widely praised on X, with @TennisUpToDate2 calling it “a true display of respect.” The match itself was a spectacle, with Kostyuk pushing Sabalenka to a dramatic second-set tiebreak, earning a set point before Sabalenka’s forehand winner and drop shot sealed the win. Sabalenka’s grace under pressure, both in play and in response to the snub, highlighted her maturity, contrasting with past tensions, such as Kostyuk’s criticism of Sabalenka’s sportsmanship during a controversial rain delay at the 2025 Madrid Open.[]
